Ireland move into top 30 of FIFA World Rankings

Ireland have returned to the top 30 in the official FIFA world rankings following back-to-back victories over Gibraltar and Georgia.

Mick McCarthy’s side have moved up five places to 29th – tied with Serbia and Venezuela, who beat 11th-placed Argentina 3-1 during the last international break – after consecutive wins to start their UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.

Ireland secured a 1-0 win away in GIbraltar in what was Mick McCarthy’s first match back in charge of the national team, before beating Georgia by the same margin in Dublin, which leaves the Republic top of Group D.

Northern Ireland, who top Group C following home wins against Estonia and Belarus, sit in 33rd following a leap of three positions.

England have climbed one place to fourth in after their crushing Euro 2020 qualifying victories over the Czech Republic and Montenegro.

Gareth Southgate’s men are headed only by Belgium, France and Brazil after leapfrogging Croatia, the side who ended their World Cup dream at the semi-final stage in Russia last summer.

England opened their Group A campaign with a 5-0 rout of the Czechs at Wembley before coming from behind to win 5-1 in Podgorica last month as their rich vein of form continued.

Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales remain in 19th place following their 1-0 home win over Slovakia.

Scotland, however, slipped four places to 44th, immediately behind Australia, Nigeria and Greece, after their 3-0 humbling in Kazakhstan and a 2-0 win in San Marino.